28 May 2009
Significant investment in primary sector growth and innovation is a feature of Budget 2009. Agriculture and Forestry Minister David Carter today announced funding of $190 million over four years for the new Primary Growth Partnership. When fully operating in 2012/13, the partnership will see the Government investing $70 million annually in primary sector innovation.
Forestry News
Wood laminates greener and cheaper than steel
04 June 2009
The engineered wood product Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) has a lower carbon footprint than steel and is cheaper to use, according to an independent environmental study by Scion. The study, commissioned by Carter Holt Harvey Woodproducts, compared the design of an 1800m2 warehouse made using LVL wood products with one constructed of steel. The research confirmed that the carbon footprint of LVL is only 56% that of steel.Increased opportunities for Southern North Island forest industry
05 June 2009
An increase in wood availability after 2016 for the Southern North Island will lead to increased opportunities for the sector, say the authors of the latest wood availability forecast report.Fresh water at forefront of major RMA reforms
08 June 2009
"Reform of New Zealand's fresh water management is needed to address deteriorating water quality and poor incentives for water allocation and storage," Mr Smith said.UK forestry biofuel trials begin
10 June 2009
The UK Forestry Commission has started a series of trials looking at the potential for fast-growing tree species that could be used as energy crops. Focussing on short rotation forestry, the first of the trials -- involving eucalypts -- is getting underway at a farm in South Lincolnshire.
Forest owners concerned about high interest rates
11 June 2009
Unacceptably high bank interest rates are putting the owners of small to medium-sized forests under increasing financial pressure.
World log prices at 5-year low
15 June 2009
The slumping world economy has reduced sawlog prices in Europe and North America to the lowest levels in five years, reports the Wood Resource Quarterly. Demand for sawlogs has fallen worldwide and the Global Conifer Sawlog Price in the 1Q/2009 was down 26 percent from a year ago.
Deforestation reporting deadlines to be delayed
18 June 2009
The Government today introduced a bill into the House amending technical aspects of the timing of the emissions trading scheme relating to forestry.
Modified ETS best, but assumes more trees
18 June 2009
A joint report by economic consultants NZIER and Infometrics concludes that a modified emissions trading scheme is the best way forward for New Zealand on climate change policy.